Shedeur Sanders made an impressive NFL debut, capitalizing on a built-in fanbase as he took the field for the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. The game drew an average of 22.37 million viewers, making it the most-watched preseason matchup on the NFL Network since 2015. Despite being the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders brings significant attention due to his college career playing under his father Dion Sanders at Jackson and Colorado. He found himself in a crowded and uncertain Browns quarterback room behind veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, alongside fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
In the preseason opener, with Flacco sidelined and injuries affecting the quarterback roster, Sanders took advantage of the opportunity, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 113.9. His performance quickly caught the eye of fans and celebrities alike, including NBA star LeBron James. However, Sanders is expected to miss the next game due to an oblique injury, delaying his chance to build on this strong start.
Sanders’ preseason appearance highlighted his potential to climb the depth chart, and the high television ratings suggest that Browns fans and NFL viewers alike are eager to see more of him soon.
Fan Take: This debut is a big moment for NFL fans, signaling the arrival of a new exciting talent who carries the legacy and hype into the league. If Sanders continues to develop, he could bring fresh energy and storyline intrigue to the Browns and the NFL as a whole.
